Counseling

Counseling is a rewarding field that enables professionals to bring empathy and creativity to the helping relationship. Counselors help individuals recognize and use their strengths as they navigate through environmental and social barriers to emotional well-being. Counselors guide individuals as they explore challenges, conflicts, transitions, career decisions, illness and disability in an effort to gain insights and find new solutions.

Our Master of Arts in Counseling programs are designed to prepare master’s level counseling practitioners. The professional counseling and school counseling programs provide students with a broad base of psychological knowledge and theory integrated with extensive training and practice in the use of counseling skills. Graduates of professional and school counseling programs are qualified to work in a variety of school and/or mental health settings with individuals, groups, and families.

Professional counselors are trained to provide the help and support individuals may need to master challenges in life. Working in a diverse range of settings and with a variety of areas of specialized expertise, professional counselors work with people of all ages, races, cultural backgrounds, and circumstances to help them maximize their potential, make positive changes in their lives, and achieve their goals.

School Counseling

School counselors are professionals with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse school population. School counselors are integral to the total educational program. They typically implement a school guidance curriculum, assist with individual academic planning, provide counseling and referral services, offer consultation for educators, and collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators, and the communities in which they work.

Program Description

Designed to meet the needs of today’s adult learners, we offer an evening schedule at three convenient locations with instructors who are experienced practitioners in the areas they teach. Our graduates are trained to ask and answer questions about the human condition, to be committed to interpreting and translating knowledge that contributes to the betterment of society, and to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge that benefits our profession and the populations we hope to serve.

The programs are intensive and comprehensive, requiring 48-57 semester hours of course work, education courses when applicable, and applied experience. Students who take classes year-round can complete most coursework in eight semesters. Additional time is required for education courses, when applicable, and to complete internship. Qualified graduates interested in further training are well equipped to pursue doctoral studies at other institutions.

• Evening courses are designed to meet the needs of adult students.
• Qualified instructors with practical, real world experience.
• Financial aid available.
• Tuition discount available for new students at the Belleville Campus.